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Cancer and Fatigue

May 26, 2021

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Causes of cancer related fatigue include: 

  1. Cancer Itself.
  2. Aggressive cancer treatments as surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or as a side-effect of other non-cancer drugs.
  3. Drugs that make you drowsy.
  4. Lack of sleep.
  5. Pain.
  6. Anxiety or mental stress.
  7. Depression.
  8. Anemia.
  9. Other side-effects of drugs as vomiting or diarrhea resulting in dehydration, or loss of appetite. This can cause loss of nutrients and fatigue.  

Fatigue due to cancer or as side-effect of cancer treatment is different from any other. You may feel that it is always accompanying you and nothing is making it go away completely, even rest and sleep.

How can you cope with fatigue?

  1. Have better quality sleep time:

-Making your priority to have good night sleep. 

-Lie in bed for sleep only, and avoid noise caused by electronic devices and television. 

-Take frequent naps as much as your body needs. 

-Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed time.

  1. Exercising can boost your energy and make you feel better.  -Plan ahead a daily schedule for simple exercises. 

-Choose the exercise that suits you and don’t strain yourself. -Simple exercises as walking each day even if inside your house, swimming, cycling or yoga are very beneficial. 

  1. Maintain a routine during the day for activity and rest, and distract yourself with simple activities. 
  2. Eat a healthy diet rich in protein, calories, vitamins and iron, and drink a lot of fluids. Talk to your doctor if you need dietary consultation.
  3. Talk to your doctor if you are feeling sad or depressed, some medications can help you feel better, also keep your support system of family or friends close.
  4. Talk to your doctor about any other uncontrolled symptom that can be contributing to your fatigue. As pain, vomiting, diarrhea, fainting or loss of appetite. 
  5. Support groups and talk therapy have been proved to control cancer-associated fatigue. Talking about your feelings of fatigue, depression or any fears can help you get through it. 

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